Haven Preschool – We are a small, friendly, privately owned Pre-school, located just to the east of the four avenues in the heart of Christchurch

New Enrolments Welcome

Call now Phone 03 389 2483

Our Centre

We are a small, friendly, privately owned Early Learning Centre located just to the east of the four avenues in the heart of Christchurch. Haven ELC operates from two former family homes which have been converted into two spacious play areas which support children’s learning. We are licensed for 14 children aged 0-2 and 37 children aged 2-6.

FOR ALL CHILDREN
AGED 3 AND OVER

20 HOURS
FREE!

20 HOURS FREE!

For all children 3yrs and over!

* some
conditions apply

Our Award
Winning news...

Haven Early Learning Centre was awarded the Exceptional Centre (privately owned) Award in August 2024 by the Early Childhood Council at its national conference for ‘demonstrating outstanding commitment and setting a benchmark for excellence’. Here’s what the ECC said about Haven in announcing the winner.

The winners of this award are dedicated to supporting the deaf and hearing-impaired community and incorporate New Zealand sign language as a key component of their curriculum. They employ the only deaf kaiako working in mainstream ECE, with other staff learning sign at night school, and are acknowledged as an innovative and inclusive centre. This centre truly lives up to their name by providing a safe and welcoming place for tamariki and whānau in their community. Please join me in congratulating Haven Early Learning Centre.

Haven are proud of their inclusiveness, and work with diverse tamariki, adults and other kaiako. By choosing Haven ELC you are part of the wider family and community in Linwood/Philipstown area. Come and see what we are all about- we look forward to sharing our success with you.

Why people choose us...

Transition to School

Haven ELC offers a transition to school programme for our older tamariki which allows them to practice the skills they will need when moving onto school. Led by an experienced teacher who has qualifications in both Early Childhood and Primary Education.

Cultural Diversity

We offer an environment rich in cultural diversity which represents our local community and the children who attend. Tamariki at Haven Early Learning Centre are exposed to spoken and written languages including English, Te Reo Maori and Sign Language.

Frequent Outings

We take frequent outings to the nearby shops and library, the park or to a community retirement village. These excursions strengthen the links within our community and help develop and support social competencies and skills.

Storypark

Designed to help you to record and share your child’s milestones and activities. Share moments with the whole family or as a private message. With Storypark, you can feel close when you’re far away. Your child’s teachers can send you real-time updates, photos and videos throughout your day.

Extensive Playgrounds

The large playground includes a sand pit, sawdust pit, climbing frame, swing, slide, monkey bars, woodwork bench and a selection of outdoor resources. We also have a separate playground for the nursery area.

Meet our Teachers...

The Centre is owner-operated and the Centre Manager has over 25 years’ experience working in Early Childhood Education. The staff have a range of experience and qualifications and includes a support team to complement the teaching team.

We are in the news again.....

Using New Zealand Sign Language to
Support Diverse Communities

We have been recognised for diversity in the community for ALL Tamariki. See our article live on the ECC website now

Haven Early Learning Centre -Recognised for NZ Sign Language

See the article about our centre in the Education Gazette. We are so proud to be covered by the Gazette for celebrating diversity and culture.

What the parents are saying...

We absolutely love this place our 2 girls grew up in this preschool from the age of 6 months until 4 and a half, the only reason we left was because we live in Redwood and wanted our girls to gain friends on this side of town before they started school. But we still have a bit to do with this preschool, we quite often visit and are always welcome to their activities and their adventures they hold during the year. I highly would recommend this preschool to anyone, we miss the place the teachers do an amazing job with the children, especially the cook they have there she is an amazing cook and you would be surprised what she could get the children to eat there that they don't eat at home. WELL DONE GUYS HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

My son went to Haven, formally Lindisfarne about 13 years ago for nearly 3 years, and my daughter is about to leave for primary school after being a part of the Haven family for over 3 years, I am sad that my journey with the Haven family is coming to an end, you won’t be able to find a more kinder, nurturing or family focused preschool in Christchurch. Nothing beats dropping your kids daily knowing they are getting the best care and preschool education possible. Not to mention a hot cooked lunch every day by Chrissy. Will miss you guys

I’d like to thank the Centre for everything over the years and we will miss everyone so much! Ryley first began in the nursery when he was about 15 months old and we have loved our time here and all the teachers. Ryley is very ready for school and a lot of that comes from the learning he has learnt from his time with you guys. I’m so very appreciative for everyone's nurture, love and patience with Kenzie as she began at only 10 weeks old and there is no other centre I would have trusted at that time!

Realising the Potential of every child